BrioHR raises USD $6.5 million to drive ASEAN digital jobs

BrioHR, a Malaysian HR technology startup, is working towards advancing Malaysia's digital workforce as the country prepares to host the ASEAN Summit 2025 under the theme of "Inclusivity and Sustainability".

The ASEAN digital economy is forecast to reach USD $1 trillion by 2030, prompting businesses and governments in the region to address the need for advanced human resources technology. BrioHR's platform is designed to help companies overcome talent shortages, safeguard future employment opportunities and encourage sustainable business growth.

Malaysia has been actively positioning itself as a digital leader in the region. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has championed the country's ambition to become an AI and digital hub, a strategy that has attracted investments from international technology firms. The recent establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence Office further demonstrates the nation's commitment to shaping its innovation policy and reinforcing its status within ASEAN.

BrioHR has secured RM30 million (USD $6.5 million) in Series A funding, with investments from Openspace Ventures, Taiwania Hive Ventures and others, which the company will use to expand its AI-focused HR solutions. The goal is to help businesses—both small and large—acquire, retain and upskill talent in a labour market increasingly defined by digitalisation and automation.

Benjamin Croc, Co-Founder & CEO of BrioHR, commented on the company's mission and its role in ASEAN's economic aspirations, stating, "ASEAN's success hinges on its people. As Malaysia leads the charge, BrioHR is committed to ensuring businesses from SMEs to multinationals can build agile, skilled, and inclusive workforces. Our AI-driven HR solutions don't just streamline operations; they unlock human potential in the age of automation."

Croc further addressed the broader regional context, saying, "As ASEAN advances its digital economy agenda, the region must ensure its people are equipped to thrive in an AI-driven future. At BrioHR, we are laser-focused on enabling businesses and governments to build adaptive, inclusive, and digitally fluent workforces."

The digital economy's rapid growth brings with it challenges such as technology talent shortages and the impact of automation on traditional job roles. Malaysia expects its technology sector to account for over 25.5% of GDP by the close of 2025. Croc explained BrioHR's approach in this context: "While rapid growth brings challenges—from tech talent shortages to automation risks—BrioHR empowers HR teams to rise above operational tasks and deliver strategic impact. By automating workflows, optimizing the employee journey, and unlocking data-driven workforce insights, we enable HR to become a true driver of business growth."

Croc added that BrioHR's solutions directly contribute to government employment targets, such as maintaining high labour participation rates—recorded at 70.2% as of early 2024—and preparing Malaysian workers for positions in fields including AI, data science and cybersecurity.

Malaysia's leadership as ASEAN chair in 2025 is considered by the government and stakeholders as a vital opportunity to promote inclusive economic development across Southeast Asia. Addressing this mission, BrioHR's work is centred on equipping employers with tools for talent attraction, retention and workforce upskilling.

"As a Malaysian company with regional impact, we are committed to driving sustainable digital workforce growth, not just for Malaysia, but for all of ASEAN," said Croc.